Our Staff.

Staff Profiles

CONTIMr. Conti is excited to continue the journey of teaching the importance of history to young minds at Heritage. Born and raised here in Phoenix, Mr. Conti first attended Paradise Valley Community College where he received an Associates of Fine Arts before transferring to Arizona State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science focusing on Political Science, Communications and History. When not in the classroom, he can be found at one of the many Phoenix parks playing disc golf, attending concerts, as well as many other activities that can be found locally.

Correa_Carolina¡HOLA! I would like to introduce myself as your Spanish teacher. I was born and raised in Nicaragua.  I earned an AA certificate in Psychology at Glendale Community College; I will soon be finishing my BA as Speech Therapist with a minor in Spanish at ASU. Before becoming a full-time teacher, I used to teach Spanish private classes to high school students for five years. This will be my nineth year teaching as a full-time teacher Spanish I through Spanish IV, AP Spanish Language and Culture. I am passionate about teaching Spanish but especially I love teaching high school students. I have witnessed every student’s growth and potential over these years. I have been delighted to see how creative my students have been when writing and making up stories in both languages; their minds just fly away. I know these young minds have so much to offer, they are the future of our nation. I am excited for a new school year, and I am ready to teach them not only the Spanish language and culture but also the best that they have within them.
Carolina Correa
Spanish Teacher
0038_Johnson_Denise_01I received my B.A. in English Literature from Occidental College in Los Angeles and a master’s from the University of York in England. I’ve been in education for 17 years, teaching 1st, 4th, and 6th grades before transferring to the 7-12 campus.  Although, in my heart, I will always be an English teacher, I have also worked in special education and taught science, study skills, and various electives at the junior high and high school level. Before having a stroke in 2018, I coached JH track and field and directed JH theater performances as well. I recently stepped out of the classroom and into instructional coaching, which I loved, but I am now looking forward to returning to the English department and reading/writing with students again.
Denise Johnson
S_KellyI was born and raised in northwest New Jersey. I earned my bachelor’s in education with a minor in Art from East Stroudsburg University. Shortly after graduation I moved to Florida to begin my teaching career. I have had experience in all grade levels and many styles of education ranging from homeschooling, teaching and writing Waldorf curriculum, 5/6th grade Montessori Math and Science, 4th grade and of course Art on all levels, even adults. I am also a part time Art teacher at a studio in Scottsdale. I have three amazing children, one girl and two boys. You can find me out in nature, gardening or making art in my free time.
LOONEYHello! I’m Mr. Looney, and I’m a certified English teacher. This year will be my 9th year of teaching, and I’m looking forward to making it my best yet! I believe in the power of reading and writing to elevate human intelligence to its fullest potential. I grew up in New Jersey, and I am an alumnus of The College of New Jersey. My wife Dana and I have four rescued dogs. I enjoy nature, fishing, and making music.
MEDINAChris Medina was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. He graduated high school in 2013 from Mesa High School. He went on to obtain his associates degree from Mesa Community college in 2017. He then transferred to Arizona State University to receive a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management. One of his favorite parts of teaching is being involved in athletics and coaching cross country and track. When Mr. Medina isn’t in the classroom, he enjoys heading to the local parks and playing disc golf.
Christopher Medina
Algebra I Teacher/ Assistant Athletic Director

Michele Robison was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating Camelback High School, she attended The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles. She earned a degree in Merchandise Marketing and went on to work in the apparel industry. She has over 20 years of graphic design and marketing experience.  Michele started teaching digital design during the 22-23 school year and obtained an Arizona Career and Technical Education Certificate. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge of business and marketing with our young scholars.

RUSSOriginally from South Dakota, she moved to Washington in the middle of her high school years and while there, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Central Washington University. She and her husband moved to the Phoenix area in 2022 to settle down and start raising her family. She found her love for education while working as a tutor at her university and helping her many siblings through school. During her free time, she loves to hike, hangout with family and friends, and travel the United States.

SHIPLEYNathaniel Shipley graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies with a focus on Performance as well as having trained with The Village Theatre. He moved to Phoenix in June of 2022 from Washington State. He has many years of experience with all different styles of theatre. Nathaniel has performed with the 5th Avenue Theatre and Lyric Light Opera in Seattle as well as many other local theatre groups, including a year spent in LA doing film and television. Nathaniel has spent his entire life within a theatre, whether it be onstage, backstage or in the audience and has loved every minute of it. When he isn’t immersed within the theatre, he’s spending time with his wife and child.

WILSONKane T. Wilson was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. He grew up in Maryvale and moved to Ahwatukee with his family in 1986.  He received his BA in Sociology from Huston-Tillotson University and also earned a Minor in Psychology.  Kane is currently working on entering his 28th year of teaching.  Mr. Wilson has teaching experience with 1st grade, 2nd grader, 6th grade, Junior High, and High School students. He is looking forward to upholding the rigorous demands of Heritage Academy while teaching JH English to our wonderful scholars.